LOS ANGELES -- DeShaun Foster opened his first training camp as UCLA football coach with a jab at his performance during the Big Ten Conference media days last week.
He greeted reporters wearing a T-shirt that read, “We're in LA!," a nod to the phrase that went viral on social media.
“Oh this thing, it's just a shirt," he said Wednesday. "I just wanted to make sure everyone knew where LA was and where UCLA is.”
The Bruins are indeed in LA and are looking to show they are here to fight for position in the Big Ten. UCLA will stay in the San Fernando Valley during camp and will have 19 more camp-style practices before the season opener at Hawaii.
What's it like for him to come to camp as a coach instead of as a player?
“I’m excited for it," he said. "I’m a Bruin, and that’s me.”
The tone was set with the energy displayed from the beginning of practice, with Lil Uzi Vert ringing from the speakers of Spaulding Field. The energy shift was apparent, signaling the birth of a new culture with Foster's signature on it.
Smiles, fist pumps, optimism and support were evident among the players as they ran through drills and routes.
“He is the first one in the building working out, and he has put that on us,” UCLA linebacker Kain Medrano said.
The Bruins will open up camp to the general public on Aug. 10 and 17. All indications are the public can expect a show from this season's Bruins. Or maybe even a T-shirt.
